Cosina Mayah Restaurant Fails with Equipment Violations

Cosina Mayah Restaurant on 16th Street in SOMA failed its health inspection on October 27, 2025, with multiple equipment and sanitation violations that could pose serious risks to customer safety. The routine inspection, conducted by Inspector Tiombe Wiley, revealed five violations across critical food safety areas including contaminated food containers, broken refrigeration equipment, and unsanitary conditions throughout the facility.

Equipment Violations Found

The most concerning violation involved food contact surfaces that were improperly sanitized. Inspectors discovered labels still attached to washed and sanitized food containers, creating potential contamination hazards. According to health code requirements, all labels must be completely removed before washing and sanitizing dishes and containers to prevent bacteria from hiding beneath adhesive residue. Equipment issues extended to the restaurant's refrigeration systems, where inspectors found several units with cracked and separating gaskets. While the units maintained required temperatures of 41°F or below, the damaged gaskets could allow warm air infiltration and harbor bacteria in the cracks. The restaurant was ordered to replace these gaskets immediately to maintain food safety standards. Food residue was observed on the exteriors and handles of reach-in refrigerator and freezer equipment, creating cross-contamination risks every time staff accessed these units. The inspector noted that routine cleaning and sanitizing of equipment exteriors is essential to lower the chance of spreading pathogens from contaminated surfaces to food products.

Sanitation and Maintenance Issues

Beyond equipment problems, inspectors documented poor maintenance throughout the facility. Food residue had accumulated on flooring underneath equipment, particularly near metro shelving units by the kitchen exit. Food splashes were visible on walls near the ice machine, indicating inadequate cleaning protocols. The refuse area presented additional concerns with observed clutter that could provide harborage for rodents and other pests. While no rodent activity was observed during this inspection, the cluttered conditions create an environment conducive to pest infestations.

Health Implications for Diners

These violations pose multiple health risks for customers dining at the restaurant. Contaminated food contact surfaces can spread harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli between different food items. Damaged refrigeration gaskets compromise temperature control, potentially allowing dangerous bacterial growth in perishable foods. Unclean equipment handles and surfaces create ongoing cross-contamination risks every time staff handle food preparation. The accumulation of food debris on floors and walls not only attracts pests but also provides breeding grounds for bacteria and mold. Combined with improper container sanitization, these conditions significantly increase the risk of foodborne illness for customers.

Restaurant Response and Next Steps

The person in charge, identified as Jose Cocom, refused to sign the inspection report. This marks the restaurant's first recorded inspection in the city database, making it impossible to determine if these are ongoing issues or first-time violations. Inspector Tiombe Wiley can be reached at (415) 252-3885 for follow-up questions about the violations. The restaurant must address all cited violations before a reinspection can be scheduled to determine compliance with San Francisco health codes. Located near Civic Center BART, the restaurant serves the busy SOMA district where many residents and workers rely on local dining options for daily meals.